Symptoms & Risks of Obesity

Medical doctor with body fat calipers, medically supervised weight loss

When it comes to obesity in the United States today, there are roughly 160 million Americans who are either obese or overweight. In fact, according to The State of Obesity, there are now seven states that exceed a 35% obesity rate, 29 states that exceed 30% and 48 states that exceed 25%. Within these percentages, the most prevalent ages for obesity are middle-aged adults to senior citizens.

Symptoms of Obesity

Symptoms of obesity can vary, but may include:

  • Sudden loss of breath
  • Increased sweating
  • Increased snoring
  • Difficulty with sudden physical activity
  • Extreme exhaustion on a daily basis
  • Joint pain

Diagnosing Obesity

The main indicator of obesity is when a person’s body mass index (BMI) is 30 or higher. BMI is calculated by dividing a person’s weight by their height. There are also BMI calculators online to help assist with computing this number.

Other Contributing Factors to Obesity

Overweight Man Drinking Beer and Eating Burger

In many ways, obesity can be controlled and corrected. However, as outlined by Mayo Clinic, there are many outside factors that may contribute to this condition, such as:

  • Genetics – Genetics may play a role in how efficiently your body is able to store and convert energy, as well as how it burns calories throughout the day.
  • Medical Problems – Some medical conditions can lead to decreased activity or excessive weight gain, as seen in individuals with Prader-Willi syndrome, Cushing’s syndrome, arthritis and other similar medical conditions.
  • Unhealthy Eating Habits – Consuming foods and beverages that are high in calories and served in oversized portions on a regular basis can also lead to quick weight gain.
  • Inactivity – For individuals who are generally inactive, there is a much higher chance of becoming obese. It’s easy to take in more calories per day than are burned, so those who are more sedentary could experience significant weight gain.
  • Family Lifestyle – More than genetics, many families also tend to share similar interests in their eating and activity habits. For instance, if the parents of a family are inactive or have poor diets, it’s much more likely that their children will engage in the same habits.
  • Certain Medications – Some medications have side effects that include rapid weight gain. Unless this is managed with a special diet or regimented exercise, it has the potential to lead to continued weight gain, and eventually obesity.
  • Age – Although obesity is present in individuals of all ages, there is a higher chance of becoming obese as age increases. As we age, our metabolisms tend to slow down and our lifestyles begin to become less active, sometimes resulting in excessive weight gain—depending on the individual.
  • Pregnancy – Most pregnant women gain weight during pregnancy, and many find it difficult to lose the weight after their child is born. For some, it can lead to even more weight gain over the years.
  • Quitting Smoking – A very common side effect of quitting smoking is weight gain. If left uncontrolled, it could lead to obesity over time.
  • Lack of Sleep – Lack of sleep can result in hormone changes that increase appetite—especially if it happens frequently. Oftentimes cravings are for high-calorie foods and carbohydrates, which are the most common contributors to weight gain.
  • Social and Economic Issues – Some people are or have become obese due to social and economic issues, such as unsafe areas to exercise, lack of healthy cooking skills, insufficient funds for healthier foods, etc. These issues can have a long-term, negative effect on a person’s weight.

Health Risks of Obesity

High Blood Pressure

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, obese individuals are also at significantly higher risk for future health-related issues, including:

  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Cancer
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnea
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Complications during pregnancy

What Is Medically Supervised Weight Loss?

A medically supervised weight loss program is designed for individuals who are clinically obese and are currently struggling to overcome obesity on their own. It is not meant for individuals who would like to lose a few pounds or simply “tone up”— physician-supervised weight loss is for individuals whose weight loss is critical to their health.

Many of the successful weight-management solutions offered by medical professionals include physician supervision and prescription weight loss injections, motivation and a strategic diet and exercise plan that are expertly crafted to suit each individual’s needs. 

To learn more about the medically supervised weight loss program offered at Olympia Pharmacy, contact a weight management expert today.

Weight Management Treatment Options

vials with syringe, physician supervised weight loss injectionsThere are several medically supervised weight loss programs provided by physicians to help obese individuals lose weight. Prescription weight loss injection treatments are designed to complement a physician-supervised diet and exercise plan customized by a licensed medical professional.

At Olympia Pharmacy, we offer compounded medications that are designed to complement a physician-supervised weight loss plan. They can help reduce appetite, build muscle and promote a healthy immune system.

These prescription medications include:

Learn more about the best vitamin injectables for weight loss now, or contact a weight-loss specialist today for details.

Benefits of Medically Supervised Weight Loss

Medical Weight LossMedically supervised weight loss can be beneficial for obese individuals seeking safe and effective weight loss. By having a medical professional monitor the individual’s weight loss, the patient’s overall health and well-being may also be closely supervised in order to help produce the safest, most effective results.

In addition to each plan being personalized to suit individual needs, some of the main benefits of a medically supervised weight loss program can include:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Healthier heart
  • Less strain on joints and lower back
  • Improved sex life
  • More self-confidence
  • Better eating and exercise habits
  • Long-term health improvements

Find out more about how medically supervised weight loss can benefit you or a patient by contacting a weight-loss specialist at Olympia Pharmacy today!

How to Get Started With Treatment

For Patients and Physicians:

Getting started with medically supervised weight loss can be easy. At Olympia Pharmacy, we offer a wide range of compounded medications that are designed for physician supervised weight loss.

Whether you’re a physician seeking a weight-loss option to provide your patient or you’re a patient looking for a safe and reliable way to lose weight, Olympia can provide the resources you need.

Want to learn more about medically supervised weight loss?

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